Two events on tap for Pride Month

In honor of Pride Month, SAFE Harbor, working with the Journey to Wellness, the Salish Kootenai College – Spirit of Many Colors, Reason to Live Native, Mission Mountain Empowerment and Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, will host two events in the Mission Valley.

“What Belongs Together,” at 7 p.m. June 16, at the Bickford Building in Polson, is an 18-and-older event featuring karaoke, appetizers, games and more. Tickets are $5.

The next day, June 17, a Pride Picnic will take place at Bockman Park in Ronan from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Families are welcome to the gathering, which includes food, games, crafts, a fashion show, and a chance to build community.

“We appreciate all these great partners and look forward to sharing time together,” said Brandi Clark, director of SAFE Harbor. “This is a chance to build a supportive community, while enjoying a beautiful Montana day.”

Pride Month was established in 1999 to recognize the impact that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) people have had on history. Celebrating Pride Month in the Mission Valley is part of SAFE Harbor’s mission to promote a safe, inclusive and healthy community.

Dana Grant, SAFE Harbor’s development director, notes that the LGBTQ+ community continues to face hurdles, including acts of violence and discrimination that contribute to increased levels of suicide, addiction and homelessness.

“Youth suicidology for this group is at an alarming rate in the U.S. and Montana,” he said in a Safe Harbor press release.

Upcoming festivities offer “a chance for the entire community to join one another in a safe, fun, and affirming environment,” said Clark.

For more information or tickets to Friday’s event, call 406-240-0640 or email dana@safeharbormt.org.